Q: I have ongoing torus (tori) growing all over the roof of my mouth and lower jaw. Could it be any relation to calcium problems elsewhere in my body, i.e., kidney stones and /or osteoarthritis?

David A. Albert, D.D.S., M.P.H., is director of community health and an associate professor of clinical dentistry and public health at Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine and Joseph Mailman School of Public Health. Dr. Albert is board-certified in dental public health. He is director of courses related to dental infectious diseases and the oral health care delivery system. Dr. Albert is the principal investigator on several research projects. Major areas of focus include tobacco cessation and the relationship of oral health and medical conditions. He also maintains a geriatric dental practice in the Northern Manhattan community of Washington Heights.

Tori (singular "torus") that grow on the roof of the mouth are usually found in the middle of the hard palate and appear as a single bony growth. However, tori that grow in the lower jaw tend to occur as a pair. They usually are located behind the lower teeth, under the tongue, on each side of the mouth. Those that grow on the upper molars tend to occur on the left and right side of the jaw next to the cheeks.

It is not clear what causes tori to grow. However, they have not been associated with the development of kidney stones, osteoarthritis, a calcium deficiency, taking calcium supplements, or any health-related issue.

Generally, tori do not present a problem. As a result, many people are not even aware that they have them.

If tori grow large enough to cause problems with eating, swallowing, speech or the placement of braces or dentures, removing them might be recommended. Removing tori is a straightforward procedure. It often can be done in the dental office.

Once tori have been removed they tend not to regrow. However, in very rare instances they can grow back.

It is important to note that a dentist should always check all growths that occur in the mouth. This is a precaution to make sure it's not a case of oral cancer.

If you have not already done so, have a dentist examine the growths as soon as possible to confirm that they are indeed tori.